ABSTRACT

The nutritional status of preschool children in Umuahia urban and rural areas of Abia State was investigated. Preschool children aged between 2 and 5 years were selected from nursery schools in urban (n=100) and rural (n=100). Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurement, of height, weight and arm circumference and was compared with NCHS standards. Dietary assessment was based on weighed inventory method and 24 hours recall obtained from their mothers. The nutrient intakes were compared with the WHO/FAO/UNU. Validated questionnaires were used to collect information on their food intake. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package doe Social Sciences (SPSS). The result showed that rural preschoolers in Umuahia Abia State have poor nutritional status. A high degree of meal skipped was observed. The meal skipped most was breakfast. The sex of the pupil had no significant relationship with the nutritional status. Using weight-for-age, 2% and 1% of urban and rural preschool children were underweight. Also, 9% and 8% were stunted. The mean energy intake of the rural preschoolers was below recommendation. An evaluation of their body mass index (BMI) showed that 80% of the respondents were normal, 18% were underweight, l.5% were overweight, while 2% were obese. The food preferences revealed the preferred snacks were biscuits, ice cream, chin-chin, soft drinks and meat pie. Preferred foods were mangos and oranges. Fufu, beans and yam were not liked much. The mean energy intakes of the rural preschoolers were below recommendations. The intakes of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin A were inadequate in both groups.